Fiorentina vs West Ham: The last time Fiorentina won any silverware was two decades ago. While they have successfully reached the final of the Europa Conference League, it has not been a smooth ride for them. However, they will be properly motivated with this being the only chance for them to qualify for next year’s European competition. With only 1 injury and rested players, the coach will be able to field his strongest team against West Ham United. Follow Europa Conference League LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Fiorentina last won a major trophy back in 2001 when they won the Coppa Italia. Whereas, the last time they won a continental trophy was the European Cup – Winners’ Cup in 1961. They will be looking to end their drought of any silverware this Wednesday. They have also ended their Serie A season in the 8th position in the league table. Hence, winning this will be their only way to qualify for any European competition next season. Winning this title will grant them entry to next year’s Europa League group stage.
Fiorentina have scored the most goals in the competition this season. Scoring 36 goals in 14 games, they have scored 21 of them in away matches. However, their form in their home matches have been a thing of concern. They finished in 2nd position in Group A. Then they went on to defeat Lech Poznan, Sivasspor, and Braga to qualify for the final. However, it was not a smooth ride as they lost both home games in their quarter-final and semi-final rounds.
Even in the semi final round, the match went to extra time. A goal by Antonin Barak in the 9th minute of the injury time of that extra time kept them away from penalties. They have also lost a total of 3 times in the competition this season. However, they scored at least three goals in each of their last Europa Conference League away games. 7 of their 36 goals in the competition have come from Arthur Cabral. Hence, he will be continuing to lead the attack from a central forward position.
The Argentine Nicolas Gonzalez crashed into the goalpost last weekend while scoring a goal. He scored the last goal of the Serie A season against Sassuolo on June 3. However, he looks to be fit and will be joining the side on Wednesday. Hence, he will be helping Cabral from the right position. The only player injured in the squad is their back-up goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. Hence, every position other than these will be up for grabs. Coach Vincenzo Italiano rested his key players last weekend.
Hence, he will have a lot of options to choose from and field his strongest side for the final. He will probably call up Terracciano to do his duty under the barpost as the goalkeeper for all competitions other than Serie A. Dodo, Martinez Quarta, Milenkovic, and Biraghi could be forming the defense line in the back. Amrabat and Mandragora could be holding the fort in the midfield. While as Cabral leads the attack line in the central forward position, Gonzalez, Bonaventura, and Ikone could be helping him from positions behind him.
Fiorentina Predicted XI: Terracciano; Dodo, Martinez Quarta, Milenkovic, Biraghi; Amrabat, Mandragora; Gonzalez, Bonaventura, Ikone; Cabral
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